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What’s it really like to have a book published? In the days before my book’s release I always wondered what life was like for published authors. What kinds of things did they have to do on a daily basis? What other responsibilities did they have besides the actual writing?

Now that I’m four months on the other side of publication (The Preacher’s Bride released in October of 2010), I can share an inside glimpse at what life has been like for me lately.

Over the past three weeks in January, here’s a list of some of the things I’ve worked on:

• I entered The Preacher’s Bride into several national contests.
• I wrote a four-paged single-spaced synopsis for my third book.
• I dialoged with my editor about the synopsis and plans for Book 3.
• I wrote at least five interviews/guest posts (not including my own blog posts).
• I read a book for a debut author for endorsement purposes.
• I had to write up and turn in marketing ideas for The Doctor’s Lady.

AND . . . most importantly, at the beginning of January, I started the first draft of my third contracted book. I work on it every day (except Sunday), and have given myself a daily word count goal of 1000 words/day. I recently passed 20K. However, I will have to cut back substantially on my daily word count over the next few weeks as I dive into another round of edits on The Doctor's Lady. In other words, I'll be juggling writing one book while editing another.

In addition to the writing responsibilities listed above, I also have numerous online responsibilities. I shared some of my social media statistics last week in this post: When Social Media Becomes a Time-Suck. And if you read that post, you’ll recall that emails, blogging, and other social media keep me very busy too.

The responsibilities of my writing career have gradually increased into a full time job. And since I’m also a full time teacher and mom, I now feel like I have two very full time jobs. (As a side note, you may find it interesting to know that I’ve yet to receive my first royalty check. My publisher sends out royalty checks twice a year, and since I was still earning back my advance in the fall, I’ve yet to receive a “real” paycheck.)

Of course my experience is uniquely mine, and the responsibilities of my writing career will differ from other published authors in many ways. But there are some common elements that all writers, published or not have to face. Most of us have multiple tasks to juggle. We struggle to find quality writing time. And we’re often harried, striving to do more in less time.

In today’s publishing industry, choosing a professional writing career is not for the faint of heart, the weak of will, or the timid in spirit. What kinds of writers will make it to publication, and then once there, stick it out long enough to become successful?

1. Writers who use their time wisely.

2. Writers who zealously plunge into hard work.

3. Writers who are willing to put forth a lot of effort with little compensation.

4. Writers who are willing to persevere through difficult days, weeks, months.

5. Writers who can pull themselves back up and keep going after disappointment.

6. Writers who dream big and make tangible goals for reaching those dreams.

7. Writers who are humble enough to know they can improve.

8. Writers who continue to cultivate their passion and love of writing

9. Writers who have a vision beyond themselves and their success.

10. Writers who reject quick gratification and opt to wait patiently for long term success.

We would all be wise to remember that in our early years we’re establishing a strong foundation for later. All the waiting, juggling, and struggling of pre-pubbed days help prepare writers for the increased work after publication. And all the hard work during the early years of published author life are setting the stage for greater success later.

In other words, we don’t have to waste a single effort or moment. We can make them all count in this incredible journey we’re on.

So do you have what it takes? Are you developing the traits that will help you stick it out for the long haul? Of the traits I've listed, what do you need to work on the most?

Even though I work at home, I'm a full-time early childhood educator to six children. When they go home, I'm still working to keep my house clean, prepare lesson plans and activities for the next day, and keeping up with the paperwork that the state requires.

After dinner, I spend time in the living room with my family, but that time often includes me writing.

I've also enlisted more of my family's help by telling them the less time I spend doing dinner or laundry is more time I have writing.

I'm using January to become more organized with my paperwork for the rest of the year, so I can spend more time writing and less time playing catch up on other things.

This is quite helpful because in reading it I now know that if I do chose to embark on this journey one day (or at least try!) some of what ends up occuring (lots of effort with little financial compensation at first, perserverence etc.) is normal and to be expected. You always provide great insights into the world of a writer. Thank you!

I'm just starting out with writing, so you might think I'd be discouraged by your list, but I'm not. I'd rather know up front what I'm up against, what it will need for me to do this. I think ultimately it's all about facing reality head on, and be willing to pay the price for realizing your dream. But that being said, respect to you for making it work because that's a lot you have on your plate!

Excellent post, Jody! Thanks for the glimpse into your day to day life. Number ten resonated the most with me today - oddly enough, my devotion time today was spent studying the parable of the sower and Psalm 126 that emphasizes the importance of sowing God's truths into our lives, trusting that a harvest will eventually be produced! Love it when God re-affirms what He's been teaching me throughout the day! Have a great weekend! Hugs & Blessings!

I simply don't know how you do it. I'm only just getting ready to go on submission and I'm swamped between writing, revisions and a full time job. That being said, I know I have the work ethic that is needed to do this. The only person who can keep up with me (and sometimes that's only barely) is my writing partner. We work HARD. And we work long hours. And it's only going to get busier if we are lucky enough to sell this as a 3-book series, which is our goal. What do I need to work on most? Probably balancing all the work I do with time with the family. I know for a fact, that that's what my husband would say I need to work on...

Hi there, Jody!I really relate to your post. When I got my edits for book one, I set book two aside. It seems like all the needs for book one will never end. I've got the galleys now.:) I keep thinking there must be an easier way to juggle everything, but I haven't discovered that yet. I'm trying.For those writers who aren't published yet I would recommend one huge thing. Write! If you are doing a three book series, write them. I think the biggest mistake I made early on was to spend too much time perfecting and not enough time producing.

Well, I would add to your list: Writers who know what spaces they have for writing a particular work and when to dive in.

This has been huge for me in recent years. Right now, I have "space" to write articles, columns and shorter pieces. I also feel I have "space" to write a nonfiction book. The book-length fiction work? Not quite yet. It was an important realization to have, and I feel at peace with it.

But nothing is wasted. While I wait out my time for book-length fiction, all of the non-fiction writing I'm doing is valuable, helping to earn an income for my family, and fulfilling me in multiple ways. The wide perspective is so important, and you hinted at that in several of the items in your list.

I enjoyed this post and reading your words again. I just told Rosslyn I'm saving your two books for summer reading, since right now, my reading is taken up with projects that need to be done. I can't wait to dive in when the right reading space emerges. :)

I could probably do with a little work on most of those. Particularly number 1. We have our first baby on the way and it really is a job to devote proper time to all of these new responsibilities as well as keeping up with my writing.

Wonderful post, Jody. I think #3 for me is difficult sometimes because it's hard to do something you love that may be going completely no where. So it's a good thing I definitely have what it takes in #4! No matter what, I'll always be writing. :)

Jody, the revelation that you are a full-time teacher and also a hard-working, successful author gives me inspiration when I've struggled to balance my own teaching and writing careers. I think I may print out your ten-traits and pin it up so that I will be reminded that it is possible, and just what it takes to get there. Thanks as always!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Preacher's Bride and now my husband is reading it as well. I now understand Pilgrim's Progress at a much deeper level, a book students in my school are required to read.

By the way, I am Erin MacPherson's mom and she speaks very highly of you.

Thank you so much for taking a few minutes to swing by and leave me a note! I'm so glad that you enjoyed my book and am tickled to hear that your husband is also reading it! :-) The book really does give a bigger picture to the back ground of John Bunyan, doesn't it? I loved learning about him!

And I'm so excited about Erin's book. I've had the privilege of reading it and you should be very proud of her!

Good post that makes me think. I spent a lot of time writing and now have books I should be editing and others I should be working on, but I'm in some kind of holding pattern and wasting a lot of time.

Lists work for me. I've started one and will try to stick with it, working through all the stuff I have to complete. I do believe to be successful at writing, it has to be approached in a disciplined and professional manner. Thanks for these reminders.

I'd like to think I have these traits. I sometimes feel guilty about the time I'm spending, without the monetary reward to back it up. But my husband doesn't mind, which is just another reason why I love him.